About

CHORUS AUSTIN PRESENTS:

JOURNEYS

October 24th at 8:00 P.M. | October 25th at 4:00 P.M. | First English Lutheran Church

Chorus Austin – the non-profit community-based organization dedicated to bringing great choral works to Austin and the Central Texas area, led by Artistic Director and Conductor Ryan Heller – kicks off its 62nd season with Journeys on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church. The concert also marks the first season of award-winning pianist, innovator, and arts administrator Carla McElhaney’s position as new Executive Director of Chorus Austin.

Journeys sets the tone for Chorus Austin’s season, which is centered around the theme Songs for the Journey, featuring inspiring new works and beloved masterpieces to light the way on our shared journey. The concert presented by Chorus Austin’s Chamber Ensemble features works by the winners of the 12th Annual Composer's Competition, sponsored in part by a generous donation from John and Dixie Paulos, with support from Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment.

The Composer’s Competition Winners include: Joshua Maynard’s The Skipping Stone (Winner of the Young Composers Division) and Paul Winchester’s The Road Less Traveled By (Winner of the Open Division). Additionally, Martin Blessinger’s Sonnet 130 (Runner-Up of the Open Division) will be performed on the program, which explores various themes about the concept of journeys, including where a journey begins, the idea of journeying together, journeys into nature and into darkness, a heart’s journey, and the journey home.

The Composer's Competition includes two divisions – the Young Composer Division, for composers who are under 30 years old, and the Open Division. In addition to being featured on the Journeys program, the winner of each division will receive a cash prize and a live recording of their composition. 

Ahead of its official season opening in October, treble voices from Chorus Austin will join Ballet Austin for A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, September 27 at 3:00 p.m at The Long Center. Magic and mischief take center stage in Stephen Mills’ enchanting reimagining of Shakespeare’s riotous comedy as confused lovers, mischievous fairies, and wayward spells collide beneath a moonlit forest canopy in this hilarious tale of romantic mayhem. Set to Mendelssohn’s richly expressive score played live by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Mills’ interpretation is a playful, visually lush celebration of love in all its charm in this clever, whimsical, and irresistibly entertaining production.

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Event Details

• Date: Saturday, October 24th - Sunday, October 25th
• Time: 8:00 P.M. Saturday and 4:00 P.M. Sunday
• Venue: First English Lutheran Church
• Website: https://www.chorusaustin.org/journeys-26#/productions-view

Ticket Information

• Cost: $15

Presenter Details

• Name: Chorus Austin

A rich tradition of great choral music and modern musical innovations mark Chorus Austin, a non-profit community-based organization dedicated to bringing great choral works to Austin and the Central Texas area. Under the Chorus Austin umbrella are its two ensembles: the Symphonic Chorus and the Chamber Ensemble. Each group offers a distinctive concert experience for both audience and singers under the baton of Artistic Director and Conductor Ryan Heller.

Venue Details